Image: UCAS

Debbie McVitty

Debbie is Editor of Wonkhe

See full profile

UCAS-ALevels-3674 — Image: UCAS

Behind the scenes at UCAS on level 3 results day

by Debbie McVitty

16/08/25

1

shutterstock_1913545948 — Image: Shutterstock

The possibilities for radical collaboration in HE go far beyond mergers

by Debbie McVitty

21/07/25

2

Thermometer,Showing,High,Temperature,Is,On,Orange,Background.,Heat,,Measuring — Image: Shutterstock

How can students’ module feedback help prepare for success in NSS?

by Helena Lim

9/07/25

1

wonkhe-technology-learn — Image: IKON

Machine learning technology is transforming how institutions make sense of student feedback

by Livia Scott

19/06/25

4

Broken,Rope,-,Failure,And,Break,Concept,-,This,Image — Image: Shutterstock

Higher education governance needs the conflict between academic and business imperatives to be successful

by Debbie McVitty

16/06/25

4

Female,Hand,With,Retro,Telephone,And,Flowers,Visible,Through,Hole — Image: Shutterstock

What we’ll be talking about at The Festival of Higher Education 2025

by Debbie McVitty

2/06/25

Concept,Of,Stationery,Accessories,,Glue,With,Space,For,Text — Image: Shutterstock

Higher education can cut through the immigration debate with a focus on quality

by Simon Emmett

12/05/25

3d,Render,Icon,Of,Red,Notification,Bell,With,New,Urgent — Image: Shutterstock

OfS continues to sound the alarm on the financial sustainability of English higher education

by Debbie McVitty

8/05/25

2

shutterstock_530767798 — Image: Shutterstock

Capability for change – preparing for digital learning futures

by James Gray

31/03/25

Cute,Friends,Little,Trolls,On,Floral,Meadow,,Natural,Background.,Harper — Image: Shutterstock

Breaking out of Bergentown – the case for hope in higher education

by Mark Peace

18/03/25

1

Young,Woman,On,Kayak,With,Spray,Paddle.,Concept,Travel,Summer — Image: Shutterstock

Should higher education be thinking in terms of evolution or transformation?

by Debbie McVitty

17/03/25

1

Creative,Image,Of,Pink,Piggy,Bank,Under,Blue,Umbrella,On — Image: Shutterstock

How does the higher education sector sustain digital transformation in tough times?

by Debbie McVitty

10/03/25

4

Social,Justice,Together,As,A,Crowd,Of,Diverse,People,With — Image: Shutterstock

Societies that are humane are thoughtful about promoting equality, diversity and inclusion

by Debbie McVitty

8/02/25

Weathered,,Muddy,Boots,By,A,Timeworn,Couch,Evoke,Rustic,Warmth — Image: Shutterstock

Filling their boots? The rationale for growing loss-making home student numbers

by Debbie McVitty

3/02/25

15

Business,Group,Leadership,Concept,As,A,Merger,And,Acquisition,And — Image: Shutterstock

Anatomy of a higher education merger – City St George’s, University of London

by Debbie McVitty

27/01/25

5

Rainbow,In,Edinburgh,,Scotland. — Image: Shutterstock

A higher education institution’s relationship with technology crosses all its missions

by Debbie McVitty

20/01/25

Connect-more-blog

Connect more: creating the conditions for a more resilient and sustainable HE sector in England

by Debbie McVitty

16/12/24

2

dkfvsdkjhfvghsjd — Image: Shutterstock

The Office for Students’ proposed new strategy for 2025–30

by Debbie McVitty

12/12/24

1

Composition,With,Bottles,Of,Different,Sauces,And,Vegetables,On,Wooden — Image: Shutterstock

Institutional silos are making it harder to build learning environments for student success

by Debbie McVitty

11/12/24

Silhouette,Business,People,Group,Reaching,Money,Falling,From,Sky — Image: Shutterstock

Is it reasonable to expect higher education institutions to be more business-like?

by Debbie McVitty

18/11/24

11

Back,To,School,Concept.,Flat,Lay,Top,View,On,Yellow — Image: Shutterstock

Bridget Phillipson has set out the government’s priorities for HE reform

by Debbie McVitty

7/11/24

4

Business,Or,Education,Growth,Development,And,Success,Concept,Banner.,Rocket — Image: Shutterstock

Seizing the current policy moment – from cost-savings to radical efficiency

by Justine Andrew

4/11/24

1

Color,Drawing,World,Map,With,Colored,Pencils,For,Children,And — Image: Shutterstock

Higher education could do more to capture and promote the global value of a UK degree

by Rachel MacSween

28/10/24

1

Image: Shutterstock

A bluffer’s guide to the Universities UK blueprint for HE policy under Labour

by Debbie McVitty

30/09/24

3

shutterstock_2043673274 — Image: Shutterstock

How to fail, with Universities UK

by Debbie McVitty

9/09/24

5

Miniature,With,Peanut,Man,And,Dog,Under,Umbrella — Image: Shutterstock

Trust is paramount when leading strategic change in challenging times

by Alison Johns

29/07/24

2

Multicolored,Woven,Diy,Friendship,Bracelets,Pigtail,Handmade,Of,Embroidery,Bright — Image: Shuterstock

What academics want from academic support

by Debbie McVitty

8/07/24

Tangled,Knot,On,The,Yellow,Twine — Image: Shutterstock

Once you can describe an academic support system, you can begin to evaluate it

by Debbie McVitty

8/07/24

Mini,European,Union,And,Union,Jack,Flags,In,Grass,Representing — Image: Shutterstock

Higher education in general election manifestos – the 2010s

by Debbie McVitty

4/07/24

Scottish,Thistle,Close,Up,With,Loch,Tay,In,Background — Image: Shutterstock

Labour’s tertiary approach to higher education quality could take lessons from Scotland

by Debbie McVitty

1/07/24

Happy,Little,Boy,Learning,To,Ride,Bicycle,With,Extra,Wheels, — Image: Shutterstock

How an incoming government could act immediately to stabilise universities at risk of financial collapse

by Sarah Seed

24/06/24

London-march,20:,John,Major,,British,Prime,Minister,,At,A,Press — Image: Shutterstock

Higher education in general election manifestos – the 1990s

by Debbie McVitty

20/06/24

Politics - Demonstrations and Protests - Students -National Union of Students - London - 1974 — Image: Alamy

Higher education in general election manifestos – the 1970s

by Debbie McVitty

5/06/24

Broken,Wooden,Stool,In,Abandoned,House — Image: Shutterstock

What are a future Labour government’s options to secure the future of higher education?

by Debbie McVitty

3/06/24

1

General,Election,2024,Sign,In,Front,Of,Westminster — Image: Shutterstock

What does the General Election mean for higher education?

by Debbie McVitty

24/05/24

Picture,Pop,Collage,Banner,Young,Student,Guy,Have,Censorship,Eyes — Image: Shutterstock

The Secret Lecturer’s view of university life is almost wholly grim

by Debbie McVitty

24/05/24

7

Hubbard,Glacier,Calving,-,Longest,Tidewater,Glacier,In,Alaska — Image: Shutterstock

OfS assessment of university finances warns of need for structural change to stave off risks of provider collapse

by Debbie McVitty

16/05/24

8

How to improve higher education learning and teaching – a user’s guide

How to improve higher education learning and teaching – a user’s guide

by Debbie McVitty

14/05/24

shutterstock_2157399613 — Image: Shutterstock

A first look at UCAS’ new grades on entry tool

by Debbie McVitty

14/05/24

5

B&w,Winston,Churchill,In,Parliament,Square,And,Big,Ben — Image: Shutterstock

Higher education in general election manifestos – the 1940s and 50s

by Debbie McVitty

8/05/24

1

Kangaroo,At,Lucky,Bay,In,The,Cape,Le,Grand,National — Image: Shutterstock

A bluffer’s guide to the Australian Universities Accord

by David Kernohan

17/03/24

3

Apple,Peel — Image: Shutterstock

It is not sustainable to expect universities to offer specialist mental health support

by Debbie McVitty

14/03/24

5

Hanks,Of,Thread,For,Knitting.,Creative,Hobby. — Image: Shutterstock

Five aspirations for effective academic support systems

by Rachel Maxwell

11/03/24

1

shutterstock_2307326615 — Image: Shutterstock

The link between place and widening participation should be more explicit

by Debbie McVitty

12/02/24

1

Folded,Baby,Clothes — Image: Shutterstock

TEF submissions reveal a range of conceptions of educational gain

by Debbie McVitty

18/12/23

3

Lunch,Boxes,With,Sandwiches,,Tomatoes,,Bottle,Of,Water,And,Backpack — Image: Shutterstock

Chris Husbands: “most politicians look at the sector and think they are looking into a mirror”

by Debbie McVitty

18/12/23

Picturesque,View,Of,Beautiful,Rainbow,And,Blue,Sky,On,Sunny — Image: Shutterstock

Now is not the time to embrace the power of positive thinking

by Debbie McVitty

19/11/23

3

Small,Plant,In,Pot,Shaped,Like,Growing,Graph — Image: Shutterstock

The places that are thriving make good use of their graduates

by Debbie McVitty

6/11/23

Glass,Strawberry,And,Banana,Smoothie,Or,Milkshake,With,Fresh,Juicy — Image: Shutterstock

Setting the curve 1 – how universities are deploying technology for learning, teaching, and student success

by Debbie McVitty

23/10/23

Cup,Of,Coffee,And,Dry,Dates,On,Saucer,Ready,To — Image: Shutterstock

Setting the curve 5 – navigating technology adoption in the academic community

by Jo Midgley

23/10/23

1

Oranges,Behind,Glass,Vessels,Filled,With,Water.,Distorted,Reflection. — Image: Shutterstock

Setting the curve 4 – the contours of the generative AI debate

by Kelly Coate

23/10/23

3

A,Closeup,Shot,Of,A,Peeled,Ripe,Banana,Isolated,On — Image: Shutterstock

Setting the curve 3 – do students know what is expected of them in their engagement with technology?

by Bethan Dudas

23/10/23

1

Fresh,Apple,Juice,,Sliced,Apples,Of,Different,Varieties,,With,A — Image: Shutterstock

Setting the curve 2 – how can technology support institutional goals for student success?

by Antony Moss

23/10/23

Fruit,Salad,With,Yogurt,In,Carved,Melon,Cantaloupe,Bowl — Image: Shutterstock

Setting the curve 6 – moving forward with institutional digital transformation

by Heidi Fraser-Krauss

23/10/23

Image: Ikon

Financial struggles make it harder for students to connect and engage in their university community

by Gail Capper

16/10/23

Musical,Instruments,,Orchestra,Or,A,Collage,Of,Music — Image: Shutterstock

Maintaining impartiality on free speech could be the Office for Students’ biggest regulatory challenge yet

by Debbie McVitty

9/10/23

3

School,Desk,With,School,Accessory,And,Yellow,Backpack,On,Blue — Image: Shutterstock

Having the conversation with students about learning engagement and data analytics

by Michelle Craig

2/10/23

1

Abstract,Weather,Concept,-,Rain,And,Lightning,On,Black,Umbrella — Image: Shutterstock

To win public investment, universities must earn it, says UUK

by Debbie McVitty

11/09/23

5

shutterstock_486527824_edited — Image: Shutterstock

Level 3 results are a lightning rod for anxiety about the status of university

by Debbie McVitty

18/08/23

1

Easter,Egg,With,Hammer,And,Male,Hand.,Modern,Apstract,Surrealism — Image: Shutterstock

Will student number controls for underperforming courses actually improve quality?

by Debbie McVitty

18/07/23

1

sky-diving — Image: Shutterstock

What makes a higher education curriculum fit for the future?

by Mark Andrews

13/07/23

2

Assorted,Pharmaceutical,Medicine,Pills,,Tablets,And,Capsules,On,Wooden,Spoon — Image: Shutterstock

Student feedback – when the breakfast of champions becomes a bitter pill

by Debbie McVitty

15/06/23

3

Classic,Life,Safety,Ship's,Ring,Boat,,Rubber,Life,Raft,On — Image: Shutterstock

Government rejection of legislation will not be the last word on universities’ duty of care

by Debbie McVitty

12/06/23

1

Eight,Paper,Origami,Pigeons,Different,Colors,On,Light,Blue,Background — Image: Shutterstock

We’re asking questions about curriculum transformation

by Mark Andrews

15/05/23

4

Fresh,Farmers,Market,Fruit,And,Vegetable,From,Above,With,Copy — Image: Shutterstock

The Labour Party is in the market for higher education funding ideas

by Debbie McVitty

7/05/23

Chess,Board,Game,Competition,Business,Concept — Image: Shutterstock

Doing student voice properly is really hard work

by Debbie McVitty

24/04/23

2

Woman,With,Copper,Pots,Cooking,In,Kitchen,,Closeup — Image: Shutterstock

Universities may need to show they can be trusted to spend QR funding without interference

by James Coe

17/04/23

1

Antique,Style,Cash,Register — Image: Shutterstock

The grim calculus of access and participation

by Debbie McVitty

3/04/23

2

Polling shows public continues to be relaxed about international students

Polling shows public continues to be relaxed about international students

by Debbie McVitty

9/03/23

1

Elephant,Stands,On,Thin,Branch,Of,Withered,Tree,In,Surreal — Image: Shutterstock

The Nurse review of the research landscape depends on a stable policy environment

by Debbie McVitty

7/03/23

The future is a scary place - people need to see how R&D can help

The future is a scary place – people need to see how R&D can help

by Debbie McVitty

28/02/23

Purpose — Image: Shutterstock

A new national purpose – what if government was organised around science and technology?

by Debbie McVitty

23/02/23

3

Modern,Glasses,On,Wooden,Table,Against,Beautiful,Forest,Landscape — Image: Shutterstock

Searching for the right frame for student experience

by Debbie McVitty

13/02/23

4

Illustration,Of,Man,Reflecting,Himself,In,The,Mirror,,Loop,Surreal — Image: Shutterstock

What is the Teaching Excellence Framework’s theory of change?

by Debbie McVitty

30/01/23

4

HE minister Robert Halfon has written to vice chancellors

HE minister Robert Halfon has written to vice chancellors

by Debbie McVitty

18/01/23

1

Emotion,Management,Concept,,Stones,With,Painted,Faces,Symbolize,Different,Emotions. — Image: Shutterstock

It’s reasonable to expect universities to practise emotionally literate pedagogy

by Debbie McVitty

23/05/22

5

shutterstock_564376897 — Image: Shutterstock

How sustainable are the finances of English universities?

by Debbie McVitty

17/03/22

2

shutterstock_1032020545 — Image: Shutterstock

A five-year strategy for UK research

by Debbie McVitty

17/03/22

shutterstock_1352838686 — Image: Shutterstock

In the Augar response ministers are trying for a third way between capping opportunity or letting the HE market run amok

by Debbie McVitty

24/02/22

1

shutterstock_657330514 — Image: Shutterstock

Belonging inclusion and mental health are all connected

by Gail Capper

15/02/22

8

shutterstock_1320527558 — Image: Shutterstock

Students want the right help at at the right time in their journey to a graduate career

by Debbie McVitty

8/02/22

1

shutterstock_556889248 — Image: Shutterstock

The challenge for HE leaders – wellbeing and inclusion in the age of blended learning

by Debbie McVitty

7/02/22

1

Scrutinising student involvement in digital governance

Scrutinising student involvement in digital governance

by Debbie McVitty

26/01/22

00009047 — Image: Ikon

Building back learning and teaching means changing assessment

by Debbie McVitty

24/01/22

shutterstock_262107092 — Image: Shutterstock

Previously on… value, quality, and teaching excellence policy and politics

by Debbie McVitty

24/01/22

2

shutterstock_1808597983 — Image: Shutterstock

Making peace with uncertainty in 2022

by Debbie McVitty

10/01/22

3

people-boxes — Image: Ikon

What’s the best way to staff a university?

by Debbie McVitty

13/12/21

4

shutterstock_1162905430 — Image: Shutterstock

Wonkhe community survey 2021: a sector pulled into too many directions

by Debbie McVitty

22/11/21

shutterstock_1983357950 — Image: Shutterstock

Wonkhe community survey 2021: equality, diversity, and inclusion

by Debbie McVitty

4/10/21

1

shutterstock_761220019 — Image: Shutterstock

Public engagement in pedagogy is long overdue

by Debbie McVitty

23/08/21

7

shutterstock_796253674 — Image: Shutterstock

What will it take to convince policymakers that university leaders support the skills agenda?

by Debbie McVitty

5/07/21

shutterstock_730405657 — Image: Shutterstock

A curriculum for a complex world – students’ views on digital literacy in the curriculum

by Debbie McVitty

28/06/21

shutterstock_617808725 — Image: Shutterstock

“I just want to know the vibe, miss” – supporting student transition

by Debbie McVitty

10/05/21

3

Want to write for Wonkhe? Above all, make it interesting

Want to write for Wonkhe? Above all, make it interesting

by Debbie McVitty

29/04/21

shutterstock_1181821993 — Image: Shutterstock

Acknowledging institutional racism is only the first step

by Debbie McVitty

26/04/21

3

shutterstock_307124903 — Image: Shutterstock

Book review: The New Power University by Jonathan Grant

by Debbie McVitty

30/03/21

2